A common practice in manufacturing and other nonservice lean initiatives is the application of work cells for supporting workflow and productivity. Work cells enable maximum efficiency of workflow through a value stream by optimizing motion economy. One tool for efficient work cell design is a predetermined time system. Although these are used frequently in nonservice industries, they are also available, although applied much less frequently, for administrative work environments.

Administrative predetermined time systems

An administrative predetermined time system is comprised of engineered (i.e., derived from rigorous study) time values for performing work actions in administrative work industries (e.g., banking, insurance, government) and operations (accounts payable, application processing, claims processing). Comprehensive administrative predetermined time systems include data for performing the administrative actions listed in figure 1:

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